Metairie hails Krewe of Zeus, despite temps in the low 40s

The Krewe of Zeus rolled through Metairie on Lundi Gras night, and even though the temperature was in the low 40s, with a wind chill that made it feel much colder, parade goers still lined Veterans Memorial Boulevard to greet Henry Nuss Jr., the king of Zeus. Two of those who braved the cold to were Ronnie Schaefer and his wife, Kim.

"I'm here to see Henry," Ronnie Schaefer said. "Henry and I have been friends for more than 30 years, and even though it's cold, I wanted to see him as king. I don't know too many kings."

The 320-member Krewe of Zeus was established in 1957, and it is the oldest Carnival krewe in Jefferson Parish. Earlier in the day, members of the krewe held a "Krawl Through the Mall" at Clearview Mall. Led by the Lagniappe Brass Band and the band Bag of Donuts, costumed krewe members paraded through the shopping center and tossed beads, cups and Zeus magnets to shoppers.

"The Krewe of Zeus is a close-knit group, and there is lots of camaraderie among the members," Nuss said. "We did the Krawl through the Mall as a way of making people aware of the parade. It also gave people who might not be able to attend the parade an opportunity to experience Zeus."

Even though some krewes in the New Orleans area have folded, Nuss said the members of Zeus have worked hard to make sure theirs stays viable. "We've stuck together," Nuss said. "And we've also tried to be creative in attracting new members."

E.T. Malbrough, a member for five years, said he used to watch the Zeus parade when he was a child. "Zeus has a great tradition, and I'm glad that I can now be a part of keeping that tradition alive."

Kenny Boeckelman, a member for 16 years, moved to Spring, Texas in 2004. But he still returns each year to ride in the Zeus parade.

"The members of Zeus are a great group of good people," Boeckelman said. "I look forward to still being a part of it."

The theme for the Zeus parade this year was "Gentlemen We Have Our Heading." "The theme is important because it's our way of saying we want to bring Carnival back to Jefferson Parish the way it used to be," said Carl Giarraputo, a member of Zeus since 1994 and king in 2005. "We want to see quality parades in Jefferson Parish."

"I grew up watching Mardi Gras parades, but I never thought I would have an opportunity to ride," Harilson said. "I'm just enjoying this moment with my fellow Marines. I haven't stopped smiling since I learned that the Krewe of Zeus had selected me to be its grand marshal."